Fluid handling – Diverse fluid containing pressure systems – Liquid filling by evacuating container
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-29
2003-09-02
Michalsky, Gerald A. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Diverse fluid containing pressure systems
Liquid filling by evacuating container
C141S042000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06612327
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a system and method of servicing a fluid system.
BACKGROUND
Leak testing of fluid systems, such as closed fluid systems, can be performed periodically. Fluid systems can be subject to corrosion and can develop leaks. Leaks present in fluid systems can decrease the functioning efficiency of the system and can result in excessive fluid loss and, ultimately, system failure. Thus, a fluid system typically requires periodic maintenance.
For example, automotive internal combustion engines typically utilize a liquid cooling system containing coolant, which can include water and a coolant additive, to maintain an optimal operating temperature for the engine. If enough coolant is lost, the engine can overheat with resulting damage to the system and the engine. A cooling system can be drained of fluid, leak tested and filled with new coolant fluid periodically to maintain the system. An operator can perform a number of manual procedures to perform these services. For example, the operator can manually drain a radiator via a drain valve or by removing a radiator hose. With the coolant fluid removed, the operator can remove the radiator cap and attach a vacuum fitting to the radiator orifice to test for leaks. Finally, the operator can remove the vacuum fitting and manually pour coolant into the radiator while observing the coolant level until the radiator is filled.
SUMMARY
In general, the invention features an apparatus and method of servicing fluid systems. The fluid system can be a closed fluid system, such as, for example, an engine cooling system, engine oil system, hydraulic system or brake system. Servicing can include draining, filling or leak testing the fluid system. The apparatus can employ a pressure-reducing source to perform one or more of the desired services.
In one aspect, the invention features an apparatus for servicing a fluid system. The apparatus includes a body and a connector on the body for forming a seal with an orifice of the fluid system. The body includes a first lower port fluidly connected to a first upper port by a first channel and a second lower port fluidly connected to a second upper port by a second channel.
In another aspect, the invention features a system for servicing a fluid system. The system can include a service apparatus including a body and a connector on the body for forming a seal with an orifice of the fluid system. The body includes a first lower port fluidly connected to a first upper port by a first channel, and a second lower port fluidly connected to a second upper port by a second channel.
In another aspect, a system for servicing a fluid system includes a reservoir capable of containing a fluid and having a reservoir orifice, and a service apparatus. The service apparatus can include a body and a sealing member on the body configured to form a seal with the reservoir orifice. The body includes a first lower port fluidly connected to a first upper port by a first channel. The system can include a pressure-reducing source fluidly connectable to the second upper port. The pressure-reducing source can be a venturi. In other embodiments, the system can include a drainage wand having a sufficient diameter and length to enter the service port.
The service apparatus can include a second lower port fluidly connected to a second upper port by a second channel and a valve proximate to the second channel that can stop fluid flow in the second channel when fluid enters the second lower port.
The reservoir can be a container having an internal volume and a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator can be a pressure relief valve operable to vent the internal volume when a pressure in the internal volume decreases below a threshold value. In certain embodiments, the pressure relief valve includes a cylindrical body, a poppet within the body, and a vent control knob. The cylindrical body can have an outer wall, an inner wall, and a channel fluidly connecting a first port and a second port. The poppet can be within the body and can be biased to close the channel, the poppet opening the channel when the pressure in the internal volume decreases below the threshold value. The vent control knob can be threadably attached to the first port, and can be capable of engaging and opening the poppet.
In another aspect, the invention features a method for servicing the fluid system. The method includes draining a fluid from the fluid system, connecting the service apparatus onto an orifice of the fluid system, changing the pressure of the fluid system through the second upper port, monitoring the pressure within the fluid system for a predetermined amount of time to detect a leak in the system and applying a reduced pressure to the second upper port to withdraw fluid from a fluid source fluidly connected to the first upper port, through the first channel and into the fluid system.
The apparatus can include a valve proximate to the second channel that stops fluid flow in the second channel when a fluid enters the second lower port. The valve can be a fluid-detecting valve and can include a float ball. The first upper port can include a valve.
The connector can include a sleeve made of resilient material surrounding the body. The sleeve can form a seal between the apparatus and the service port. The apparatus can include a sleeve compressor external to the body and in contact with the sleeve.
The fluid system can be a cooling system, such as an engine cooling system. The orifice can be a radiator orifice, such as a radiator fill port.
The system for servicing a fluid system can include a pressure gauge connectable to the second upper port. The system for servicing a fluid system can also include a pressure-reducing source fluidly connectable to the second upper port. The pressure-reducing source can be a venturi. In certain embodiments, the system for servicing a fluid system can include a hose connectable to the first upper port or the second upper port of the apparatus or a drainage wand having a sufficient diameter and length to enter the orifice and enter the fluid system.
In another aspect, the invention features a method for draining a fluid system. The method includes fluidly connecting a drainage wand to a first upper port of a service apparatus, the apparatus being sealably connected with a reservoir and the drainage wand being inserted in an orifice of the fluid system, and applying a reduced pressure to a second upper port of the service apparatus to withdraw fluid from the fluid system into the reservoir.
In another aspect, a method of draining a fluid system includes fluidly connecting a drainage wand to a first upper port of a service apparatus, sealably connecting the service apparatus with a reservoir, inserting the drainage wand into a service port of a fluid system, and applying a reduced pressure to a second upper port of the service apparatus to withdraw fluid from the fluid system into the reservoir.
In another aspect, the invention features a method for filling a fluid system. The method includes applying a reduced pressure to a service apparatus to withdraw fluid from a fluid source fluidly connected to the service apparatus, through the apparatus, and into the fluid system. The service apparatus can include a valve proximate to a channel that stops fluid flow in the channel when the fluid enters the channel. The reduced pressure can be applied continuously to the service apparatus.
In another aspect, an apparatus for servicing a fluid system includes a body including a first lower port fluidly connected to a first upper port by a first channel, and a sealing member on the body configured to form a seal with an orifice of the fluid system when placed on the orifice. The seal with the orifice can increase when a reduced pressure is applied to the first upper port.
The body can include a second lower port fluidly connected to a second upper port by a second channel and a valve proximate to the second channel that stops fluid flow in the second channel when a fluid enters the second lower port. The
Burke John R.
Knowles Steven M.
Michalsky Gerald A.
Prime Solutions LLC
LandOfFree
Service system and method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Service system and method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Service system and method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3041146